Aldehyde scavenging agent for retrieving elements from fixed tissue

In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method for retrieving at least one molecular recognition element in a fixed tissue. In some embodiments the method comprises preparing a solution comprising at least one aldehyde-scavenging agent. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the fixed tissue with the solution. In some embodiments, the tissue is fixed with an aldehyde-based cross-linking agent. In some embodiments, a reaction of the aldehyde-scavenging agent with the aldehydes comprising the cross-linking agent retrieves the at least one molecular recognition element. In some embodiments, the at least one molecular recognition element comprises of amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one aldehyde-scavenging agent comprises of beta-dicarbonyl compounds, mono or di-amide scavengers, ethyl alcohols, sulfur containing compounds, mercaptoethylamines, mercaptoethanols, hydrazines, ethanolamines, hydroxylamines, anilines, variation of amines, activated charcoal, phenols, or mixtures and combinations thereof.